African-American History: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960-1964
A timeline of major events in the Civil Rights Movement between 1960 and 1964.
A timeline of major events in the Civil Rights Movement between 1960 and 1964.
The Beginnings of Slavery
Slavery in the British colonies in North America dates to 1619, when the first Africans arrived as slaves at Jamestown.
Slavery in the British colonies in North America dates to 1619, when the first Africans arrived as slaves at Jamestown.
Civil Rights Timeline
The major events of the Civil Rights Movement from 1951-1959.
The major events of the Civil Rights Movement from 1951-1959.
The Civil Rights Movement
An overview of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
An overview of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Executive Order 9981
President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948, ending segregation in the military.
President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948, ending segregation in the military.
Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement, 1965-1969
A timeline of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960s.
A timeline of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960s.
How Did Slaves Resist Slavery?
This article explores the avenues of resistance available to slaves in America.
This article explores the avenues of resistance available to slaves in America.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
A description of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
A description of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Nat Turner's Rebellion
A description of Nat Turner's Rebellion in 1831.
A description of Nat Turner's Rebellion in 1831.
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation's purpose was to free slaves in the Confederacy by presidential decree. Its effect was to transform the Civil War into a moral war against the system of slavery.
The Emancipation Proclamation's purpose was to free slaves in the Confederacy by presidential decree. Its effect was to transform the Civil War into a moral war against the system of slavery.
TheGreatMigration
The Great Migration was movement from rural southern areas to northern, Midwestern and western cities.
The Great Migration was movement from rural southern areas to northern, Midwestern and western cities.
BlackandProgressive
For African-American reformers
For African-American reformers
Martin Luther King, Jr.
A biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Emmett Till
A biography of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy who was killed for whistling at a white woman in Mississippi in 1955.
A biography of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy who was killed for whistling at a white woman in Mississippi in 1955.
The Stono Rebellion
The Stono Rebellion was the largest slave revolt in colonial America.
The Stono Rebellion was the largest slave revolt in colonial America.
Major Civil Rights Speeches and Writings
A list and description of the major speeches and writings of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
A list and description of the major speeches and writings of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Marcus Garvey
Marcus Garvey came to the United States in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance, a flowering of African-American culture. He founded the UNIA, urging African Americans to be proud of their African heritage.
Marcus Garvey came to the United States in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance, a flowering of African-American culture. He founded the UNIA, urging African Americans to be proud of their African heritage.
African-American History
The definition of African-American history has changed over time.
The definition of African-American history has changed over time.
Timeline of Abolition Movement
The abolition of slavery began in 1688 when German and Dutch Quakers published a pamphlet denouncing
The abolition of slavery began in 1688 when German and Dutch Quakers published a pamphlet denouncing
Martin Luther King Day
The history and origins of Martin Luther King Day.
The history and origins of Martin Luther King Day.
Crispus Attucks
A profile of Crispus Attucks, an African-American sailor who was the first killed in the 1770 Boston Massacre.
A profile of Crispus Attucks, an African-American sailor who was the first killed in the 1770 Boston Massacre.
The March on Washington
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom is credited with pushing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law.
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom is credited with pushing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law.
Harlem Renaissance Timeline
The Harlem Renaissance is the considered the first literary movement in the United States in which many black writers are able to explore various themes existing in African American society. This is a timeline of the major publications and events of this period.
The Harlem Renaissance is the considered the first literary movement in the United States in which many black writers are able to explore various themes existing in African American society. This is a timeline of the major publications and events of this period.
The Red Summer of 1919
The Red Summer of 1919 began in May and lasted until the end of October. During this time, race riots erupted in many northern cities.
The Red Summer of 1919 began in May and lasted until the end of October. During this time, race riots erupted in many northern cities.
CMcKay
Claude McKay was one of the most prolific poets of the Harlem Renaissance--writing sonnets that exposed the harsh realities of African-American life in the United States.
Claude McKay was one of the most prolific poets of the Harlem Renaissance--writing sonnets that exposed the harsh realities of African-American life in the United States.
Du Bois
Historian, sociologist, writer, educator and sociopolitical activist, W.E.B. Du Bois fought throughout his career to uplift African-Americans through a variety of methods.
Historian, sociologist, writer, educator and sociopolitical activist, W.E.B. Du Bois fought throughout his career to uplift African-Americans through a variety of methods.
NAACP Timeline
Timeline of milestone events orchestrated by the NAACP
Timeline of milestone events orchestrated by the NAACP
NACW
The National Association of Colored Women was established to grant African-American women a voice in society. For the past 110 years, the NACW has worked to provide social services and end racism in the United States.
The National Association of Colored Women was established to grant African-American women a voice in society. For the past 110 years, the NACW has worked to provide social services and end racism in the United States.
Rosa Parks
With one single refusal, Rosa Parks became the mother of Civil Rights Movement.
With one single refusal, Rosa Parks became the mother of Civil Rights Movement.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a holiday, begun in Texas, that celebrates the emancipation of American slaves.
Juneteenth is a holiday, begun in Texas, that celebrates the emancipation of American slaves.
Harriet Tubman
A biography of Harriet Tubman, a former slave who helped over 200 others escape from slavery to the North.
A biography of Harriet Tubman, a former slave who helped over 200 others escape from slavery to the North.
The Niagara Movement
The Niagara Movement was an instrumental organization that was established in 1905 by journalist William Monroe Trotter and W.E.B. Du Bois in opposition to Booker T. Washington's philosophy as an accommodation.
The Niagara Movement was an instrumental organization that was established in 1905 by journalist William Monroe Trotter and W.E.B. Du Bois in opposition to Booker T. Washington's philosophy as an accommodation.
What is Abolitionism?
Abolitionists worked to end slavery. Their philosophies on how to end slavery were very different. Historian Herbert Aptheker outlines the three types of abolitionism.
Abolitionists worked to end slavery. Their philosophies on how to end slavery were very different. Historian Herbert Aptheker outlines the three types of abolitionism.
alynchingmvt
The Anti Lynching movement was a movement aimed at abolishing the practice of lynching.
The Anti Lynching movement was a movement aimed at abolishing the practice of lynching.
Top Five Cities
This article is a list of the five cities that played an important role in the abolition movement.
This article is a list of the five cities that played an important role in the abolition movement.
A Biography of Carter G. Woodson
A biography of historian Carter G. Woodson, who founded the field of African-American history.
A biography of historian Carter G. Woodson, who founded the field of African-American history.
Dred Scott Timeline
The Dred Scott case was a seminal case in United States history.
The Dred Scott case was a seminal case in United States history.
Gabriel Prosser
Gabriel Prosser prepared for the farthest reaching rebellion by enslaved men in United States' history.
Gabriel Prosser prepared for the farthest reaching rebellion by enslaved men in United States' history.
Timeline of Scottsboro Boys
The Scottsboro Boys were nine African-American teens ranging in age from thirteen to nineteen. Each was tried and convicted of raping two white women on a Southern railroad freight train.
The Scottsboro Boys were nine African-American teens ranging in age from thirteen to nineteen. Each was tried and convicted of raping two white women on a Southern railroad freight train.
Timeline: 1850 to 1859
The 1850s were a turbulent time in American history for African-Americans.
The 1850s were a turbulent time in American history for African-Americans.
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg's collected artifacts of the African Diaspora. Today, the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Study is world renowned.
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg's collected artifacts of the African Diaspora. Today, the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Study is world renowned.
Robert Morris Sr.
Robert S. Morris Sr. was one of the first African-American lawyers in the United States.
Robert S. Morris Sr. was one of the first African-American lawyers in the United States.
Black History Month
How did Black History Month get its start?
How did Black History Month get its start?
Primary Documents
If you are interested in learning more about slavery from the perspective of the enslaved, here are some great sources to get started.
If you are interested in learning more about slavery from the perspective of the enslaved, here are some great sources to get started.
ANAcademy
The American Negro Academy promoted the work of African-American scholars in the late 19th, early 20th century.
The American Negro Academy promoted the work of African-American scholars in the late 19th, early 20th century.
William Still
William Still was an abolitionist, civil rights activist and businessman.
William Still was an abolitionist, civil rights activist and businessman.
AME Church
The AME Church was established in 1816 by Reverend Richard Allen
The AME Church was established in 1816 by Reverend Richard Allen
Fourteenth Amendment
The text of the Fourteenth Amendment, which repudiated the Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857).
The text of the Fourteenth Amendment, which repudiated the Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857).
Fifteenth Amendment
The text of the Fifteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which guaranteed the right to vote to African Americans.
The text of the Fifteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which guaranteed the right to vote to African Americans.
Jessie Redmon Fauset
Jessie Redmon Fauset was one of the key players of the Harlem Renaissance. As literary editor of The Crisis, Fauset promoted the work of African-American writers.
Jessie Redmon Fauset was one of the key players of the Harlem Renaissance. As literary editor of The Crisis, Fauset promoted the work of African-American writers.
John Baxter Taylor
John Baxter Taylor was the first African-American to represent the United States in an international athletic competition and the first to win an Olympic gold medal
John Baxter Taylor was the first African-American to represent the United States in an international athletic competition and the first to win an Olympic gold medal
Macon Bolling Allen
Macon Bolling Allen was the first African-American licensed attorney and judge in the United States.
Macon Bolling Allen was the first African-American licensed attorney and judge in the United States.
National Negro Convention Movement
The National Negro Convention Movement began in 1830 and ended in 1864. For thirty-four years, freed African-Americans met on the local, state and national level to fight racial discrimination and enslavement. Their efforts solidified the first black nationalist movement.
The National Negro Convention Movement began in 1830 and ended in 1864. For thirty-four years, freed African-Americans met on the local, state and national level to fight racial discrimination and enslavement. Their efforts solidified the first black nationalist movement.
PLDunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar was the most prominent African-American literary figure prior to the Harlem Renaissance.
Paul Laurence Dunbar was the most prominent African-American literary figure prior to the Harlem Renaissance.
Malcolm X
Once a convicted criminal, Malcolm X rose to prominence as a religious/political leader of the Nation of Islam. By his death in 1965, X had broken away from the NOI and formed the Muslim Mosque Inc.
Once a convicted criminal, Malcolm X rose to prominence as a religious/political leader of the Nation of Islam. By his death in 1965, X had broken away from the NOI and formed the Muslim Mosque Inc.
Countee Cullen
Countee Cullen was a prominent literary figure of the Harlem Renaissance.
Countee Cullen was a prominent literary figure of the Harlem Renaissance.
AfAmPress
The African-American press was instrumental in campaigning against Jim Crow in the South and de facto segregation in the North.
The African-American press was instrumental in campaigning against Jim Crow in the South and de facto segregation in the North.
Negro Baseball League
The Negro Baseball League was established after African-American players were banned from playing in white baseball clubs.
The Negro Baseball League was established after African-American players were banned from playing in white baseball clubs.
BTWashington
Booker T. Washington was the most influential African-American leader from 1895 until his death in 1915.
Booker T. Washington was the most influential African-American leader from 1895 until his death in 1915.
Four Pubs of the Harlem Renaissance
Daily and monthly publications were important to promoting the work of Harlem Renaissance artists.
Daily and monthly publications were important to promoting the work of Harlem Renaissance artists.
AbolitioMovement:1820-1829
The 1820s planted the seeds for the burgeoning Abolition Movement of the 1830s.
The 1820s planted the seeds for the burgeoning Abolition Movement of the 1830s.
James Weldon Johnson
This page offers biographical information on the African-American writer, James Weldon Johnson. The profile features a biography, family information and various texts published by the author.
This page offers biographical information on the African-American writer, James Weldon Johnson. The profile features a biography, family information and various texts published by the author.
Ella Baker
Ella Baker was a strategic organizer and mentor to several Civil Rights Movement organizations.
Ella Baker was a strategic organizer and mentor to several Civil Rights Movement organizations.
Timeline: 1619 to 1696
Enslavement in colonial America was established with one law at a time. Throughout the late 16th and 17th Centuries, laws were passed in several colonies to differentiate between African and white indentured servants.
Enslavement in colonial America was established with one law at a time. Throughout the late 16th and 17th Centuries, laws were passed in several colonies to differentiate between African and white indentured servants.
Arna Bontemps
Arna Bontemps was a poet and novelist of the Harlem Renaissance. Yet, it was his work as a curator who archived African-American literature and culture that makes him most notable.
Arna Bontemps was a poet and novelist of the Harlem Renaissance. Yet, it was his work as a curator who archived African-American literature and culture that makes him most notable.
Biography: Richard Wright
Overview Writer Richard Wright became the most prominent African-American scribe when his novel, Native
Overview Writer Richard Wright became the most prominent African-American scribe when his novel, Native
Thirteenth Amendment
Text of the Thirteenth Amendment (1865), which ended slavery in the United States.
Text of the Thirteenth Amendment (1865), which ended slavery in the United States.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a journalist, suffragist and overall crusader for justice.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a journalist, suffragist and overall crusader for justice.
Lugenia Burns Hope
Lugenia Burns Hope worked tirelessly to improve the lives of African-Americans in Georgia through various initiatives.
Lugenia Burns Hope worked tirelessly to improve the lives of African-Americans in Georgia through various initiatives.
William Wells Brown
William Wells Brown was an abolitionist, writer and historian.
William Wells Brown was an abolitionist, writer and historian.
James Forten
James Forten was more than a wealthy African-American. He was an abolitionist and sociopolitical activist.
James Forten was more than a wealthy African-American. He was an abolitionist and sociopolitical activist.
Alain Leroy Locke
Like Jessie Redmon Fauset, Alain Leroy Locke worked diligently to promote the literary and artistic work of African-Americans during the Harlem Renaissance.
Like Jessie Redmon Fauset, Alain Leroy Locke worked diligently to promote the literary and artistic work of African-Americans during the Harlem Renaissance.
WMTrotter
William Monroe Trotter opposed everyone--from government officials to Booker T.Washington--for not believing that African-Americans deserved immediate equality in American society.
William Monroe Trotter opposed everyone--from government officials to Booker T.Washington--for not believing that African-Americans deserved immediate equality in American society.
AAPRess
The African-American press was an integral part of resisting discrimination, racism and oppression in American society
The African-American press was an integral part of resisting discrimination, racism and oppression in American society
Timeline of the Pennyslvania Abolition Society
The Pennsylvania Abolition Society used moral suasion followed by political action as a method to abolish enslavement.
The Pennsylvania Abolition Society used moral suasion followed by political action as a method to abolish enslavement.
Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander
Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was the first African-American woman to receive a PhD in the United States.
Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was the first African-American woman to receive a PhD in the United States.
Alice Dunbar-Nelson
Alice Dunbar-Nelson worked as a poet, journalist and political activist during the Progressive Era and Harlem Renaissance.
Alice Dunbar-Nelson worked as a poet, journalist and political activist during the Progressive Era and Harlem Renaissance.
georgia douglas johnson
Georgia Douglas Johnson was a prolific poet who provided her home as a literary salon during the Harlem Renaissance
Georgia Douglas Johnson was a prolific poet who provided her home as a literary salon during the Harlem Renaissance
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson broke racial barriers and made history when he became the first African-American baseball player to play Major League Baseball.
Jackie Robinson broke racial barriers and made history when he became the first African-American baseball player to play Major League Baseball.
Publishers of Freedom's Journal
the first African-American newspaper in the United States. The paper served an estimated 300,000 free
the first African-American newspaper in the United States. The paper served an estimated 300,000 free
Jame Baldwin
James Baldwin's work as an essayist, novelist and playwright explored issues such as personal identity, racism, and sexuality.
James Baldwin's work as an essayist, novelist and playwright explored issues such as personal identity, racism, and sexuality.
Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson
Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson was the first woman of any race to pass the Alabama State Medical Examination. She later became the founder of Tuskegee University's Nurses' School and Hospital. She is the eldest daughter of AME bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner and sister to famed artist, Henry Ossawa Tanner.
Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson was the first woman of any race to pass the Alabama State Medical Examination. She later became the founder of Tuskegee University's Nurses' School and Hospital. She is the eldest daughter of AME bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner and sister to famed artist, Henry Ossawa Tanner.
Henry Ossawa Tanner
Henry Ossawa Tanner was the first African-American artist to achieve international acclaim.
Henry Ossawa Tanner was the first African-American artist to achieve international acclaim.
Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison is a prolific writer whose novels about the African-American experience have received critical acclaim
Toni Morrison is a prolific writer whose novels about the African-American experience have received critical acclaim
Environmental Justice
During the 1980s, activists began challenging the placement of environmental hazards, such as toxic waste
During the 1980s, activists began challenging the placement of environmental hazards, such as toxic waste
Mary Mcleod Bethune
Mary McCleod Bethune was a lifelong educator and civic leader.
Mary McCleod Bethune was a lifelong educator and civic leader.
Frances Watkins Harper
Writer, educator, and abolitionist, Frances Watkins Harper spoke out against sexism and racism.
Writer, educator, and abolitionist, Frances Watkins Harper spoke out against sexism and racism.
Maggie Lena Walker
Maggie Lena Walker was the first women in the United States to direct a bank. Throughout her career as a businesswoman, Walker worked to help African-Americans.
Maggie Lena Walker was the first women in the United States to direct a bank. Throughout her career as a businesswoman, Walker worked to help African-Americans.
Benjamin Tucker Tanner
Benjamin Tucker Tanner was a prominent 19th Century AME minister and bishop. He is also the father of artist Henry Ossawa Tanner and Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson, one of the first African-American women physicians in the United States.
Benjamin Tucker Tanner was a prominent 19th Century AME minister and bishop. He is also the father of artist Henry Ossawa Tanner and Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson, one of the first African-American women physicians in the United States.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage that takes place from December 26 to January 1.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage that takes place from December 26 to January 1.
Abyssinian Baptist Church
Abyssinian Baptist Church
Abyssinian Baptist Church
Black History Month Local Events
Here is a list of Black History Month events in selected cities and regions across the United States.
Here is a list of Black History Month events in selected cities and regions across the United States.
Edmonia Lewis
Edmonia Lewis was the first African-American woman to be recognized as a sculptor.
Edmonia Lewis was the first African-American woman to be recognized as a sculptor.